THERE are many doom and gloom tales circulating about reasons for not having the flu jab. I look at it this way: The odds of any meaningful reaction, including full-blown flu, following the jab over a nine-month plus period are about ten thousand to one.

The odds of catching flu during a flu epidemic if you are elderly are the same as for a healthy young person -- less than thirty to one. But the consequences for the elderly and 'at risk' groups are at best, serious and, at worst, fatal.

I know which odds I prefer.

D PRATT (Mr), Plantation Street, Accrington.